Thursday 6th to Sunday 9th August 2026: Australia's Only UFO Festival
The Australian UFO Festival is Australia’s only dedicated UFO festival, bringing together curious minds, researchers, experiencers, storytellers and adventurers for a unique celebration of the unexplained. Held annually in the beautiful coastal town of Cardwell, Far North Queensland, the festival features the C-Files Forum, guest speakers, films, live entertainment, markets, art, cultural experiences and family-friendly activities. Whether you're a believer, a skeptic or simply curious, the Australian UFO Festival invites you to explore the mysteries of our skies and beyond.
Plan Your Visit
Make the most of your Australian UFO Festival Food Festival experience by planning ahead. Check out our event schedule to help you navigate the festival like a pro.
C-Files Forum
The C-Files Forum is the investigative heart of the Australian UFO Festival, bringing together researchers, experiencers, authors, historians and curious minds for three days of exploration into the unexplained.
Held in Cardwell, Far North Queensland, the forum explores UFOs, UAPs, ancient mysteries, paranormal phenomena, witness encounters, emerging theories and the latest developments in disclosure. Through presentations, panel discussions, audience Q&As and networking opportunities, attendees can engage directly with some of Australia's leading voices in the field.
Whether you're a lifelong researcher, a curious skeptic or someone with a story of your own, the C-Files Forum offers a welcoming space to question, investigate and discuss the mysteries that continue to challenge our understanding of the world—and what may lie beyond it.
Speaker profiles
From researchers and investigators to experiencers, authors and storytellers, the C-Files Forum brings together a fascinating lineup of voices exploring the unexplained. Discover their backgrounds, areas of expertise and the topics they'll be presenting during the Australian UFO Festival.
Message from the Minister for the Environment and Tourism and Minister for Science and Innovation,
It is my pleasure to welcome you to all to the Australian UFO Festival, an event that celebrates the energy and diversity of the Cassowary Coast.
The Queensland Government is proud to support the Australian UFO Festival through Round 2 (2025) of Tourism and Events Queensland’s Homegrown Fund, which backs events developed in our state and helps connect them with the unique destinations they call home.
Homegrown events play an important role in showcasing new ideas, celebrating culture, and creating memorable experiences for visitors, all while contributing to Queensland’s vibrant and diverse events calendar.
Beyond the Australian UFO Festival, there is so much to see and experience in the Cassowary Coast. I encourage visitors to take the opportunity to explore the area and enjoy the wide range of tourism opportunities that Queensland has to offer.
I want to congratulate the organisers and all those involved in delivering the Australian UFO Festival for their outstanding efforts and playing a vital role in Queensland’s dynamic Homegrown events sector.
Andrew Powell MP Minister for Tourism
